MYTHOLOGICAL SIGNIFICANCE :

It is mentioned in Rigveda as Pundarika . It is considered as a symbol of divine beauty , prosperity , enlightenment , purity and fertility in Hinduism .

In Bhagwad Gita , it is stated that the individual who performs his duties without attachment is like lotus leaf that is untouched by water . In Upanishads , the lotus signifies the method of interior meditation and the revelation of the Atman ( soul ) within oneself .

In the epic Mahabharata , Brahma , the creator , is described as having sprung from the lotus that grew out of lord Vishnu’s navel ( Padmanabha ), when the deity lay absorbed in meditation .

The Goddess Lakshmi , who symbolizes wisdom , wealth and fertility sits on lotus flower , holding the same in two of her four hands .The lotus seat and pedestal have an almost universal appreciation with the figures of Hindu mythology .

The rosary made of seeds of lotus is used for prayer .

OTHER SIGNIFICANCE OF LOTUS :

In Yoga , Lotus Position or Padmasana is used for meditation and other sitting poses . In this pose , body remains steady for longer periods and mind remains calm .

In Atharvaveda , human heart is compared with lotus .

In Ayurveda ,the ovulatory period in females is depicted with the example of opening and closing of lotus .

Padma is associated with Sahasrasaar chakra .

Literature : In Kumar sambhavam , written by poet Kalidasa , the arms of Parvati are compared with Mrinal ( the peduncles of lotus ) .

Culinary Uses : i) Stems are used as vegetable , pickle .

ii) Seeds are eaten raw or parched called phool makhana .

iii) Leaves are used for wrapping the food which is to be steamed .

Fragrant flowers yield good quality honey . It is called Makranda or Padma madhu .

As a rasayan – ghee processed with the paste of stalk , stem , stamens , leaves and seeds of lotus along with pieces of gold and milk is known as pancha vrinda ( having five parts of lotus ) , it promotes strength , virility and intellect .